Leveling up your magic skills in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion can feel like a grind, but it’s totally doable with the right approach. By spamming spells from each magic school—Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction, Illusion, Mysticism, and Restoration—you can boost those stats fast. This guide breaks down how to grind each skill using simple fused, practical tips, and some sneaky tricks to make it easier. Let’s get into it!

1. General Tips

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Spellcasting Increases Skills: The more you cast spells from a school like Destruction, the quicker that skill levels up.

Create Custom Spells: Head to the Arcane University or Frostcrag Spire (if you’ve got the DLC) to craft cheap, easy-to-spam spells for grinding.

Use Low-cost Spells: Weak spells use less Magicka, so you can keep casting without running dry.

Regenerate Magicka: Wait it out, chug potions, or wear gear that boosts Magicka recovery to keep the spells flowing.

Major Skills Level Faster: If a magic skill is a Major Skill, it’ll level up quicker, but it also pushes your character level, so plan smart.

Drain Skill Exploit: Make a spell to Drain a skill (like Drain Conjuration) on yourself and spam it. Each cast counts toward leveling that skill, and it’s super fast.

2. Specific Grinding Methods

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Alteration

  • Spell: Whip up something simple like Open Very Easy Lock or Feather 1 pt for 1 sec.
  • Method: Spam it on locked doors or while running around. For Feather, cast it while jumping.
  • Location: Anywhere with locks, like the Imperial City sewers.

Conjuration

  • Spell: Go for Summon Skeleton or a cheap custom spell like Summon Scamp for 1 sec.
  • Method: Keep summoning over and over. The summon doesn’t need to fight—just cast away.
  • Location: Any safe spot, like Arcane University.

Destruction

  • Spell: Make a weak one like Fire Damage 1 pt on Self or Shock Damage 1 pt on Touch.
  • Method: Cast on yourself or NPCs. Self-damage spells are safe if they’re weak and level fast since you’re always there to hit.
  • Location: Arcane University or somewhere quiet to avoid trouble.

Illusion

  • Spell: Use Light 1 pt for 1 sec or a custom Charm 1 pt for 1 sec.
  • Method: Spam it on yourself or others. Light spells are dirt cheap and work anywhere.
  • Location: Busy spots like the Imperial City Market District for Charm, or anywhere for Light.

Mysticism

  • Spell: Craft Detect Life 1 ft for 1 sec or Dispel 1 pt on Self.
  • Method: Keep casting. Detect Life works even with no one around, and Dispel is safe to spam.
  • Location: Anywhere chill, like your house.

Restoration

  • Spell: Try Fortify Attribute 1 pt for 1 sec or Restore Health 1 pt on Self.
  • Method: Cast on yourself non-stop. Fortify spells are cheaper and faster to spam.
  • Location: Any safe spot, like Chorrol Mages Guild.

3. Exploits and Tricks

Drain Skill Spell

Craft a spell like Drain [Skill] 100 pts for 1 sec on Self (e.g., Drain Conjuration).

Spam it—it’s cheap and levels the skill crazy fast since every cast counts.

You’ll need access to the Spell Making Altar at Arcane University.

Bound Equipment for Conjuration

Cast Bound Dagger or Bound Armor over and over. Unequip the item each time to keep spamming.

Practice at Mages Guild

Join the Mages Guild for spell-making altars and trainers who can hook you up with better spells.

Spell Stacking

Mix effects (e.g., Drain Conjuration + Summon Scamp) to level multiple skills at once, but it’ll cost more Magicka.

Efficient Grinding Setup

  • Character Build: Pick a race with lots of Magicka (like Breton or High Elf) and maybe the Mage or Atronach birthsign for extra juice.
  • Equipment: Wear stuff that boosts Magicka or its regen, like the Necromancer’s Amulet.
  • Location: Find a quiet spot like your house or Arcane University to avoid getting bothered.
  • Macros (PC): On PC, you can bind spells to keys or use auto-clickers to spam casts.